Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

179. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the action he will take to tackle coastal erosion at The Burrow, Portrane; the way in which his Department's approach to the situation facing residents in The Burrow has changed following the recent ministerial visit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14281/17]

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The management of problems of coastal erosion at Portrane is a matter for Fingal County Council in the first instance. The Council must assess the problem and, if it is considered that specific measures and works are required, it is open to the Council to apply for funding under the Office of Public Works' (OPW) Minor Flood Mitigation Works & Coastal Protection Scheme. Any application received will be assessed under the eligibility criteria, which include a requirement that any measures are cost beneficial, and having regard to the overall availability of funding.

As the Deputy is aware, I visited Portrane on 21 February 2017 to view myself the effects of coastal erosion in the area. I met with local Deputies, local representatives, residents and property owners and I was impressed by the level of engagement locally and with the Council officials in exploring options to address the problem. I know that Fingal County Council is working hard to identify an appropriate and sustainable solution to the problem at Portrane in advance of submitting an application to the OPW for funding to carry out works. Any application that is received from the Council will be considered promptly and in line with eligibility criteria of the scheme.

Fingal County Council applied for and was approved funding of €57,800 under this scheme in 2012 to carry out a Coastal Erosion Risk Management Study of Portrane to Rush which included Burrow beach. The funding was drawn down in 2013 following completion of the study.